Switching apparatus



W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.29, 1917.

1 ,36 1 ,91 2, Patented Dec. 14, 1920,

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SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-29, 19H- 1 ,3 6 1 9 1 2 Patented Dec. 14, 1920.

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SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-29, 1917.

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lNVE/VTOR l/ITTORNEY W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-29, x917.

Patented Dec. 14, 1920.

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APPLICATION FILED AUG.29, 1917.

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SWlTC-HlNG APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-29. 191?- 1,36 1,9 1 2. Patented Dec. 14, 1920,

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SWITCHING APPARATUS APPLICATION FILED AUG.29, 1917.

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SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-29, 1917.

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W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-29,1917.

Patented Dec. 14, 1920.

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APPLICATION FILED AUG.29, 1917.

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APPLICATION FILED AUG-29,19]?- Patented Dec. 14, 1920.

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WILLIAM M. SCOTT, 0F TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

Application filed August 29, 1917. Serial No. 188,717.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, VILLTAM M. Soorr, a citizen of the United States, residing in Tredyifrin township, in the county of Chester and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Switching Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to electrical apparatus and systems suitable for the control of various current paths or circuits.

My invention resides in a system for supplying and distributing electric energy, as from an alternating current source to a direct cur rent distribution system, the latter being in some cases a multiwoltage system,

and resides in the controlling switching mechanism provided with various electrical and mechanical interlocks for preventing certain mischances in the operation or control of the systems.

My invention resides in the novel switching system of connections and controls such hereinafter described.

For an illustration of one of the various forms my invention may take, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the alternating current part of the system with its controls.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing the direct current part of the system with its controls.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the low and intermediate voltage breakers of the alternating part of the system.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view, on larger scale, of part of the interlock mechanism of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the full voltage and neutral breakers of the alternating current part of the system.

6 is a side elevational view, on larger scale, of interlocking mechanism of the apparatus shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

Fig. 7 is a front elevational view of the mechanism shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the motor actuated mechanism of Figs. 3, 5 and 7.

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of one pan of breakers, in closed position, of the direct current part of the system.

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the other pair of breakers, in open position, of the direct current part of the system.

Fig. 11 is a front elevational view of the breaker mechanism shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the motor actuated mechanism of Figs. 9, 10 and 11.

Fig. 13 is a side elevation of electro-magnetic means responsive to equalization of voltage.

Fig. 14 is a front elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary side elevation 01 mechanism shown in Figs. 9 and 11.

Fig. 16 is a front elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 15.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, a, b and c are the supply conductors from a 3-phase alternating current source supplying energy to the transformer primaries P P and P whose secondaries S S and S deliver alternating current, generally of lower voltage, to the rotary converter B, Fig. 2, whose armature is indicated at A. and with which cooperates in well known manner a rotary converter booster B for altering the voltage of the direct current delivered from the armature A. The direct current from the rotary converter R is delivered either to the positive and negative direct current feeders e and 7" through the circuit breakers D and D respectively, or to the direct current feeders g and it through the circuit breakers E and E respectively. Common to all the direct current feeders is the neutral conductor N, which is controlled by the neutral breakers N N and N of Fig. 1.

The conductors e, 7 and N form a 3-wire system in which the conductor N is at a voltage higher than the conductor 7 by an amount substantially half the voltage difference between the conductors e and f. Similarly the conductors g, h and N form a 3-wire system, but in this case the difference in voltage between the conductors g and h is less than or different from that between the conductors c and f, when desired, and so the conductors e and f may be considered as part of a high voltage system and the con ductors g and h as part of a low voltage system. WVhen the high voltage system involvin g conductors e and f is to be employed, only the breakers D and D are closed; and similarly when the low voltage system em ploying conductors g and h is to be employed, only the breakers E E are closed. But when both systems are of equal voltage, as hereinafter described, as when conductors e and g are at the same voltage and conductors f and 1 0 at the same voltage, both pairs or breakers D D and E E may be simultaneously in closed position, though successively moved to closed position.

From one terminal of each of the transformer secondaries S S and S, Fig. 1, extend the conductors i, j and 70, respectively, which terminate in Fig. 2 in three brushes bearing upon the three slip rings of the ro tary converter armature A. Upon the remaining three brushes and slip rings of the armature A are impressed first a low voltage, then an intermediate voltage, and then the full voltage of the secondaries S, S and S to start and bring the rotary armature A 7 up to synchronous speed and full voltage.

From a low voltage tap in the secondary S extends a conductor m to the upper main terminal of circuit breaker A Fig. 1, whose lower terminal connects to conductor m which terminates in Fi 2 with one of the three lower brushes last referred to; similarly a conductor a extent s from a low voltage tap in secondary S to the upper contact ot the circuit breaker A whose lower contact connects by conductor m with another ot the three lower brushes, Fig. 2; and a conductor 0 connects with a low voltage tap of transformer S" and to the upper terminal of the circuit breaker A whose lower terminal connects by conductor 0 with the remaining or the three lower brushes, Fig. 2. From intermediate voltage taps on the transformer secondaries S S and S extend the conductors g), Q and r, respectively, to he u per terminals of the circuit breakers B 3 and B respectively, whose lower terminals connect respectively with the conductors m n and 0 And f om the remainin terminals of the tran. :mer secondaries E3 S and S extend the conductors s, 25 and a, respectively, commu nirating with the upper terminals of the circuit breakers C C and C, whose lower terminals communicate respectively with the aforementioned conductors m 11- and 0 From the mid-points of the secondaries S S and S extend the conductors o, w and to upper terminals of the neutral circuitbreakers N N and N respectively, whose lower terminals communicate in commen with the aforesaid neutral conductor N.

To start the rotary converter R the breakers A A and A whose movable c0ntact members are mechanically coupled so that they open and close as a unit, are first closed, wherebv low voltage is impressed noon the armature A; then the breakers B B and B whose movable co lwi fi mem er are mechanically coupled and open and close as a unit, are closed and simultaneously the breakers A A and A open, in order to prevent short circuiting of part of each of the secondary windings ol the transformers. With these breakers closed the intermediate voltage is impressed upon the armature A. Thereafter the breakers C C and C and N N and it all oi? whos movable contact members are mechanically coupled so that they open and close as a unit, are closed, ant the breakers B B and B are opened to prevent short circuiting of portions of the secondary transformers; and there is now impressed upon the armature A the full voltage of each of the transl'oriner secondaries 5 S and S and the neutral conductor N of the direct current distribution system is in communication with the mid-points of the three secondaries.

in Fi 2, with the breakers D and D closed illustrated, direct current from the commutator 7 ot' the armature A is delivered to the high voltage direct current. teeders (a and 7*, current flowing from the commutator 1 through the positive brush to conductor 2 through overload trip coil breaker D to conductor 0; and from the negative commutator brush through negative conductor 2 through the series coil 61 of a reverse current tripping mechanism having also the voltage coils 61, as well understood in the art, thence tln'ough the overload trigpiinz coil 61" and the breaker D to negative conductor of the direct current distribution system.

When the breakers D and l) are open, the breakers E and I? may be closed. as when the armature A delivering a lower or different volt-age than before, in which case lower or different voltage will be impressed upon the direct current distribution conductors and 72 the positive conductor 2 communicating with the breaker which in turn communicates with the .rihution circuit conductor 1.- and the negg ative conductor 2 connects to the breake E which in turn is connected with the distribution conductor 7b.

The different voltages supplied from the armatur A are procured in well known manner by the accompanying rotary converter booster B whose rotary element is generally coupled with or upon the sha it 01 the rotary converter armature A.

The forage?nois a general outline of the mode of operation of the system.

The various structural features, electrical and mechanical interlocks, and functions will now be described.

Referring; to 3 and 7, there is mounted upon the base or switchboard 1 the low voltage breaker me hanism comprisinc three poles and having the three movable contact members AK A? and A; above these is mounted the intermediate voltage breaker mechanism comprising three movable contact members 13 B and B The three mo -cable contact members A. A and A move as a unit and are supported. upon arms 2 pivoted at 3, and actuated by a toggle comprising the links a and the latter being integral with the lever arm 6 pivoted at 7.

The structure is similar in these respects in the upper breaker mechanism c i mprising he movable contact members il B and B. similar parts bearing similar reference characters.

in each of the mechanisms there is pro vided on the lever arm 6 a latch roller t adapted to be engaged and held by the latch 9 which restrains the movable contact members in their circuit closing position. These pivoted latch members are mechanically in terconnected by the vertically extending rod 10. Pivoted at its upper end to the lever arm 6 or the lower breaker mechanism is the down .vardly extending connecting rod 1 pivoted at 12 to the crank secured to t worm gear segment 14. Similarly there is pivoted at its upper end to the lever arm (3 of the upper breaker mechanism a downwardly extending connecting rod pivoted at its lower end at 16, Fig. 8., to the crank 17 ot the worm gear segment 18.

The gear segments 14: and 18 are actuated respectively by the worms 19 and 2 d ven. respectively, through universal join. by the gears 2 and 22, Fig. 8, which in turn are driven by the 23 secured up: and driven by the armature shaft of the electric motor M. Each of the worms is moved into or out of mesh with its companion gear s L ment by a toggle comprising links a; controlled by electro-magnets or solenoids 26, 26, Figs. 1 and 3.

As sh wn in Figs. l and 7, there is an in tel-lock between the lower and upper breaker mechanisms whereby the latches 9 th lower breaker mechanism are actuated to trip the lower breakers when the upper breakers all but reach the circuit closing position. This interlock mechanism comprises a crank 52? secured to the lever arm 6 the upper breaker mechanism and carrying; at its ii ner end a pin engaging in the slot the upper end of the dowr vardlv e. Jdii rod pi" ed at its lower end to the bell crank 31 carrying at its other end the roller 32 cooperating with the ram member 33 associ ed with th latches 9 of the lower lneaker m i iauism to actuate them and therebv trip the lower breaker mechanism when the rod 30 moves upwardly in response to clockwise vemcnt of the le 1' arm 6 of the UQRQQT kcr mechanism accompanying closing; vement thereof.

1 pen the hell junk is a projection 31, which, should the actuation of the latches 9 i'ail promptly to cause the lower breaker mechanism to open, will positively engage and actuate the lower 1 ver arm 6 and thereby positively open the lower breaker mechanism. 7

"7; 5 w 13' I V] neierring to Digs. o and 4 tnere are W @1 1 ,1 1. 7 :1 t .v 1 v 1: p mount upon tie su ice icoaic i M16 .Lll voltage breaker mechanism, comprising the V all movable contact members tr and mo vir g" as a unit, and below the neutral breaker mechanism comprising the three movable contact members N, N and. ll.

llach of these mechanisms iomprises arms 2 pivoted at 3 and actuated by a toggle comprising the links 4i. and 5 the latter integral with the lever arms And in each mechanism there are latches 9 for restraining the breaker mechanisms in the circuit closing position illustrated.

The lever arms 6 of the upper and lower mechanisms are positively connected for movement in both directions by the connect vlug rod 3a, whereby both breaker mechanisms close and open in unison. The latches 3/ of the upper and lower mechanisms are interconnected by the vertically extending rod ll Pivoted at its upper end to a lever arm 3 is the downwardly extending connecting rod 35 pivoted at 36 to the crank of the gear segment 38, .v' 1 which cooperates a driving worm 39, Fig. 8, connected by universal joint to the armature shaft of the motor lil.

fhe worm 39 is actuated into and out of eneinent with the gear 38 by toggle compris f links of which the latter is a ctua toil andv controlled by a solenoid or electro-magnet windin 26 l? 1.

As appears in o, 6 and 7, there is an interlock between the upper breaker mocha n sm of Fig. 3 and the breaker mechriinisms l 5. Pivoted a its lower end to the c Fig. 5 is the upwardly extending rod ll) pivoted at its upper end to one arm of a hell crank lever whose other arm havi 9 limiting its movement. is i om arm ill, as indicated in I pivoted to the rod which in turn is hot ed to a crank Fig. 6, pivoted at 'i'. 3 b3 the crank i rolle" cov, and t scribed actuates the cam member in turn actuate the latches 9. upper breaker uism of causing it to spell. I breaker mechanism 0? I) should promptly respond upon actuatio oi latches 9 by t membe ll as desc ihed. a

projection iel on crank it engages and positively actuates the upper lever arm 6 of said breaker mechanism, causing it positively to open.

Referring to 8, there is associated with the gear segment 18 a lever 47 pivoted at 48 to the base of the apparatus and having pivoted at its forward end a hook memwhose counter-clockwise movement is limited by the engagement of the lug 49 against the top side of the lever In the position illustrated, this hook engages the gear segment 18 and prevents its rotation in such direction as to pull downwardly upon the connecting rod 15.

Pivoted at 50 to the base of the apparatus is a cam arm or lever 51 adapted to be actuated by the pin 52 secured to the gear segment 14. Movement of the cam lever 51 is transmitted to the lever 47 by the connecting bar 53.

Associated with the gear segments 14 and 538, respectively, are the pivoted lever arms 47 and 47 similar to the above-described lever 47, and each carrying at its forward end and operating the similar hook members 49" and having, respectively, the stops 49 and 49 Carried by the crank 87 of the gear segment 38 is a pin 87 which is adapt ed to engage and lift the pivoted lever 51- connected by bar 53 with the hook lever 47.

Pivoted at its lower end to the hook lever 47 is the upwardly extending rod 54 actuated by hereinafter described electro-magnetic means when the rotary converter B, Fig. 2, has attained or approximately attained full speed.

As shown in Fig. 8, the worms 19, 20 and 89 are locked against engagement with their associated gear segments whenever their associated hook levers 47, 47 and 47 are in their lowermost positions in which they lock their respective gear segments. This is effected by the hook shoulders 47 on each of said hook levers.

Associated with each of the gear segments 18, 14 and 88 is a hand lever 55, Figs. 8, 5 and 7, each of which carries a gravitycontrolled pivoted dog 56, Figs. 3 and 5, adapted to engage for downward movement only the lugs 57 on the gear segment members, Figs. 8 and 5, whereby these handle levers may actuate the associated breaker mechanisms independently of the motors M or M The mode of operation of the mechanical interlocks illustrated in ig. 8 is as follows: Normally all the breaker mechanisms of Figs. 1 and 7 are open, in which case the segments 18 and 38 are both locked by their associated hooks 49 and 49, while gear se ment 1.4 is not restrained by its hook 49 because the pin 87 on crank 37 of gear segment 38 is raised and holds the lever arm 51 raised and therefore holds the hook lever 47 raised. 1n the operation, hereinafter more fully described, the motor M is started and drives the gear 28, which 1n turn drives both gears 21 and 22. Simultaneously with the starting of the motor M- the worm 19 is shifted into mesh with the gear segment 14 and the latter is therefore driven by the motor M and moves the connecting rod 11 downwardly, closing the mechanism comprising the contact members 1 1 A and A lVhen these almost reach closing position the pin 52 will have lifted the cam lever 51 and thereby raised the hook lever 47 to unlock the gear segment 18. which may then be actuated by the motor M which is restarted for the purpose, and simultaneously with its restarting the worm 20 is shifted into mesh with the gear segment 18, which then pulls downwardly upon the connecting rod 15 and moves the breaker mechanism comprising contact members B B and B toward circuit closing position. Just before these contact members reach circuit closing position the rod 30, Fig. 4, moves upwardly and actuates the cam member 33, which trips the lower breaker mechanism of Fig. 3 as hereinbefore described. Immediately thereafter the upper breaker mechanism of Fig. 3, that actuated by gear segment 18, reaches circuit closing position and is there locked by latches 9. Thus far the rotary converter 11 has been subjected in succession to the low and intermediate voltages supplied by the transformer secondaries. it approximates or reaches full synchronous speed the rod 54 is moved upwardly, as later described, and unlocks the gear segment 38, whereupon the motor M may be started and the worm 39 shifted into mesh with gear 88 and the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 simultaneously closed and locked in circuit closing position. But as the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 approach their circuit closing position, the rod 40, Figs. 3, 5 and 6, is moved downwardly with the downwardly moving lever arms 6 of the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 and thereby trips, as hereinbefore described, the uppe breaker mechanism of Fig. 3 comprising the movable contact members 13 B and B Accompanying the full closure of the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5, the pin 87 moves away from the lever 51, thereby allowing the hook lever 47" to fall and cause the hook 49 to lock the gear segment 14 in the position illustrated in Fig. 8, that is, with the associated breaker mechanism open. And the opening of the breaker mechanism actuated by the gear segment 14 has been accompanied by removal of pin 52 from the under side of the cam lever 51, thereby allowing the hook lever 47 to fall and cause the hook 49 to engage and lock the gear segment 18 in the position illustrated in Fig. 8, that is, in position corresponding with the open position of the associated breaker mechanism comprising the contact members B B and B The breaker mechanisms illustrated in Fig. 3 may also be tripped by the tripping magnet 58'whose armature is adapted to actuate the latches 9 and thereby trip either of the breaker mechanisms which may be in circuit closing position.

Similarly with respect to the breaker mechanisms shown in Fig. 5, they may also be simultaneously tripped by the tripping magnet 59 having the armature 59 adapted to simultaneously actuate the latches 9 of both breaker mechanisms.

Referring to Figs. 9 and 11, the breaker mechanism for the high voltage direct current circuit 6, f comprises the movable contact members D and D actuated by the lever arms 6 which are interconnected by the rod 60 which causes them to operate as a unit. These contact members are held in the circuit closing position illustrated by the latch 61 in the lower mechanism, which may be tripped either upon overload, by armature 61 of overload trip coil 61", Fig. 2, or upon reversed current flow by the armature 61 actuated by series coil 61, which consists in this case of a current carrying bar passing through a horseshoe magnet 61 and shunt coils 61, Fig. 2, in well known manner. These breaker mechanisms may be actuated to circuit closing position by the hand lever 62 which, however, is rendered inoperative, upon the non-closable principle, as well understood in the circuit breaker art, if an overload exists when attempting to close the breakers. The interconnected lever arms 6 are connected by rod 63 to the crank 64 on the gear segment 65 with which is adapted to cotiperate the worm 66, Fig. 12, connected through a universal joint with the gear 67 driven by the gear 68 which in turn is driven by the electric motor M the worm 66 being actuated into and out of engagement with the gear 65 by the toggle comprising the levers 2 k, 25 actuated by an electro-magnet or solenoid winding 69, Figs. 2 and 12.

Referring to Fig. 10, there is shown in open circuit position a similar breaker mechanism comprising upper and lower movable contact members E and E operated by the lever arms 6, which again are interconnected by a rod 60 The upper breaker E is adapted to be locked in circuit closing position by the latch 70 adapted to be tripped by an overload magnet 70 Fig. 2, whose armature is 70*. The lower breaker E is similarly provided with a latch 71 adapted to be tripped upon energization of tripping magnet 72 whose armature is 72 and also upon deie'nergization of the novoltage magnet 73 whose armature is 73*. Furthermore, the reverse current tripping mechanism whose armature is 61, Fig. 9, besides tr'pping the breakers D D is adapted to trip the latch 71 of the breaker E and through the rod 73 the latch 70 of the upper breaker E that is to say, when the breakers E E are closed, and the breakers D D are open, the former may be tripped as just described by the armature 61 which communicates tripping movement to a transversely extending rod 7 1, whose end appears in both Figs. 9 and 10, and when the breakers D D are closed and E E open, the armature 61 will trip the breakers D D upon reverse current flow.

The breakers E E may also be closed, upon the non-elosable principle by the hand operating lever 62*.

The lever arms 6 of the breakers E E are connected by connecting rod 7 5 with the crank 76 on the gear segment 7 7, with which latter is adapted to cotiperate the worm 78, Fig. 12, driven through universal joint by the gear 79 driven by the gear 68, the worm 78 being actuated into and out of mesh with the gear segment 77 by the toggle 24., 25 controlled by the engaging coil 69, Figs. 2 and 12.

Referring to Fig. 12, the gear segments and 77 are each provided with a hook lever 80 and 80 connected and caused to operate in unison by the bar 81 and carrying at their ends the hooks 82 and 82 for locking the gear segments against actuation by the motor h 2 or hand operating lever 62 or 62 The worms 66 and 78 are also adapted to be locked against movement into mesh with their gear segments by the hook shoulders 88 and 83" upon the levers 80, 80.

Adapted to actuate the bar 81, and therefore the attached hook levers 80 and 80 is the vertically extending bar 84 adapted to be actuated upwardly upon energization of the solenoid 85.

As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, there is a switch comprising stationary contacts, 86, 86 adapted to be engaged and bridged by the movable contact 86 carried on an arm 87 pivoted at 87 and having on opposite sides integral arms 87 on each of which there is pivoted at 87 a pawl 88 having the stop 88 limiting its counter-clockwise movement as viewed in Fig. 15. h lovable with each of the gear segments 65 and 77 is an arcuate member 89 supported at its one end upon the crank of the gear segment and at its other end joined by the inwardly extending portion 89 to the gear segment.

When either of the breaker mechanisms D D or E E is in circuit closing position its associated gear segment is in such position that the upper end of the member 89 is below the associated pawl 88; and when either breaker mechanism moves to open circuit position the associated gear segment rotates in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 15, causing the inner edge of the member 89 to engage the pawl 88 and thereby rotate the movable contact 86 in a counterclockwise direction, Fig. 15, away from the stationary contacts 86, 86 and thereby open the switch which is in series with the motor M as indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 2.

Associated with this last named switch is a solenoid 90 adapted when energized to raise its core and cause the pin 90 to engage and raise the arm 87 integral with the switch arm 87 and thereby close the switch, whose movable contact is 86 for purposes hereinafter described.

Referring to F igs. 13 and 14, there is illustrated electro-magnetic mechanism responding to equality of voltages of the two direct current circuits supplied through the breaker mechanisms D D and E E the function of the structure being to allow these breaker mechanisms which, when the voltages of their circuits are unequal, may never be in closed position simultaneously, to be simultaneously in closed position. This structure comprises four magnet coils 91, 92, 93 and 94, indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 2, and all cooperating with an armature structure 95 pivoted at 95 and carrying the movable contact member 96 cooperating with the three stationary contacts 96 96 and 96. From the positive conductor g of the low voltage direct current circuit connection is made through conductor 97 with the movable contact 97 adapted to engage simultaneously the stationary contacts 97 and 97 from the former of which a connection is made through the magnet windings 91 and 92 in series with each other to the conductor 98 communicating with the negative conductor 71. ot' the low voltage direct current circuit; and from the contact 97 connection is made through the winding 94- and conductor 99 to the positive conductor e of the high voltage direct current circuit. The magnet winding 93 has one terminal connected to the conductor 98 and its other terminal to a stationary contact 100 adapted to be connected by the movable contact 100 with the stationary contact 1.00 connected by conductor 101 to the negative conductor 7 of the high voltage direct current circuit. lVhen the voltages of the direct current circuits are unequal, that is, the one of higher voltage than the other, as assumed normally to be the case, and the movable contacts 97 a and 100 are mov d into engagement with their associated stationary contacts, the lower magnet windings 93 and 94'. predominate and retain the armature 95 in the position illustrated in Fig. 13 holding the switch 96 open. If the voltages of the direct current circuits are substantially equal, however, the upper magnet windings 91, 92 predominate and attract the armature 95 to close the switch 96 with etl'cct that both breaker mechanisms D D and E E may simultaneously occupy their circuit closing positions, as later described.

T he operation of the system as a whole is as follows:

To start the rotary converter R the op erator actuates the operators switch 0, Fig. 1, to bring its movable contact 102 into engagement with the stationary contact 102. The movable contact 102 is connected with the conductor 103 forming with the conductor 10 1 a circuit supplying electric energy for the various controls. This allows current to flow from conductor 103 through the OPGIZLFOIFS switch and thence through conductor 105, through switches 106 and 107, the localizing switch 108, solenoid 26, motor switch 109 through the series inotor M, comprising field winding 1.10 and armature 111, to the other conductor 104 of the supply circuit. The switches 106 and 107 are controlled by the breakers C and B respectively,both these switches being closed when the breakers are open, as is the case when starting the rotary converter. In consequence the motor M starts and simultaneously the solenoid 26 actuates the associated toggle 21-, 25 and shifts the worm 19 into mesh with the gear segment 1 1:, whereby the latter is actuated by the motor M and pulls downwardly upon the connecting rod 11 and moves the breaker mechanism A A and A to circuit closing position, where it locked by latches 9. Shortly after the op erators switch has been actuated the localizing switch 108 moves from its up per contact to its lower contact, which latter is directly connected to the conductor 103, so that once the motor has been started it continues in operation even should the operator restore the switch 0 to normal position or break the circuit described. And as the breaker mechanism reaches circuit closing position the switch 109 is opened and breaks the motor circuit, deenergizing solenoid 26 with resultant movement of the worm 19 away "from the gear 14: and the motor M stops. There is now impressed upon the conductors 922 n and 0 the low voltage delivered by the secondaries ot the transformers, and the armature A. of the rotary is set into rotation.

The operator may then move the switch 0 in opposite direction to bring contact 102 into engagement with contact 102 whereby current will flow through conouctor 112 and through the switch 113, closed when the breaker mechanis A A and A was closed, to the localizing switch 108, solenoid winding 26 and motor switch 109 through the motor M to the conductor 10%. In consequence the motor starts and the solenoid winding 26 actuates the toggle 24, 25 to shift the worm 20 into mesh with the gear segment 18 to rotate the same. The gear segment 18 has been unlocked because the pin 52 on gear segment 14 in closing the associ ted breaker mechanism has lifted the cam lever 51 and through the bar 53 has lifted the hook lever 41? to unlock both the gear segment 18 and the worm 20. The gear 18 now pulls downwardly upon the connecting rod 15 and moves the upper breaker mechanism toward circuit closing position. In so doing, the rod 30, Fig. 1, is

actuated as hereinbefore described to tripthe lower breaker mechanism which moves to open circuit position just before the upper breaker mechanism B B and B closes circuit. \Vhen the breaker mechanism A A and A moves to open circuit position, the connecting rod 11 is raised, rotating the gear segment in counter-clockwise direction, Fig. 8, withdrawing the pin 52 from beneath the cam lever 51, and finally takes the position illustrated in Fig. 8, where it is then locked by the hook 49 and its worm 19 is locked in the position illustrated by the hook catch 17. ll ith the breaker mechanism B B and B closed, intermediate voltage is impressed upon the armature A of the rotary B through the conductors m n and 0 and it increases in speed and will approximate or reach synchronous speed.

\Vhile at the moment of starting the armature A there is delivered to the conductors e and 2 connected to the brushes of the direct current commutator 3 of the armature A an alternating or fluctuating current of frequency equal to that of the current supplied by the transformers whose secondaries are S S and S''"', the frequency of such current in the conductors z, 2 progressively diminishes as the armature A increases in speed, and when the armature reaches synchronous speed it is non-fluctuating or direct current that is delivered to these conouctors.

From the conductor 2 there extends a conductor e which connects through the switch 111, closed when the breaker mechanism N N and N is open, to one terminal of the winding 115, which is connected in series with the solenoid winding 116 and the inductive winding or inductance 117 connected through conductor .2 to the conductor 2 The winding 115 is the primary of a transformer whose secondary winding 118 connects to the winding 119 of an electromagnet whose armature 120 is attached to the aforementioned rod 51, Figs. 5 and 8.

WVhen the armature A. is below a predetermined speed, as synchronous speed, alternating current flows through the windings 115, 116, 117 and 119, and as the frequency of this current is higher, the lower is the value of the current through the solenoid 116, which is therefore unable to move the rod upwardly against the downwardly exerted attractive force of the electromagnet whose armature is 120,'which latter is held in its lowermost position by the current delivered from the transformer secondary 118. As the armature A increases in speed, however, the frequency of this cur rent diminishes until finally the solenoid 116, in which the current becomes stronger and stronger, ove oowers the electro-magnet 119, which becomes weaker, and raises the rod 5e, thereby raising the hook lever 17 and releasing the 38 and worm from the hook 1-9 and hook catch 47, respectively, it being remembered that the gear 38 is at this time in position similar to the illustrated position of gear 11, Fig. 8.

From the foregoing it will be understood that the upper and lower breaker mechanisms, 5, cannot be actuated until, the armature A of the rotary converter has attained synchronous or nearly synchronous speed.

The operator may now actuate the second operating switch 1, to move movable contact 102 into engagement with the stationary contact 102 and thereby allow current to flow from conductor 103 through conductor 121 through the now closed switch 122 controlled by the upper breaker mechanism of Fig. 3 through the switch 122), closed when the rod is actuated as above de scribed, to the localizing switch 108, thence through the solenoid winding 26* in parallel wi i the motor M comprising series field win g 110" and armature 111 and then through the now closed motor switch 109 to the conductor 10d of the supply circuit. motor ll starts and soon after the switch 108 is shifted upwardly as viewed in Fig. 1, leaving the motor energized independently of the operatons switch, and resistance 12 1 is cut into series with the solenoid 26 to prevent its overheating and yet allows enough current there-through to maint in the worm 39 in mesh with the gear 88. The motor accordingly actuates the gear the worm 59 having been moved into mesh with it by solenoid winding 26, and moves the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 toward circuit closing position. Just before reaching circuit closing position the rod 10, 3, 6 7, is actuated to trip the breaker mechanism B 13 and B as hereinbefore described. The breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 then reach and are latched circuit closing position, whereupon full voltage from the secondaries S S and S is impressed upon the rotary converter R which runs at full. voltage and synchronous speed.

Should it be desirable or necessary at any time to trip either of the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 3, the operator may actuate the push button switch 125, Fig. 1, whereupon current will flow from conductor 103 through conductor and either of the switches 121' or 123, closed when their associated breaker mechanisms are closed,

th: the trip coil 53 to conductor 10 1, cne- 0 that trip coil which will accordingl uato the latches of both the upper and lower breznrer mechanisms of Fig. 3

which are, as hereinbetore stated, interconnected by the rod 10. Similarly the breaker mechanism illustrated in Fig. 5 may be tripped by closing 129, Fig. 1, whereupon current will flow from conductor 103 through conductor 130 through the switch 131, which is closed when the breaker mechanism C and C is closed, through the trip coil 50 to the conductor 10-1, energizing the trip coil which will then trip both the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 whose latches are interconnected by rod 10 as hereinbefore described.

With the rotary converter R now running at synchronous speed, direct current is delivered by the commutator 7 to the conductors z and 2 li 'ith both the breaker mechanisms D 2 and l l E in open position, either, but not both, may be closed to transmit current to the cor-res" ending direct current system, by the opera :-n as follows:

The breaker mechanisms C C (3 and X N N of Fig. 1 having been moved to circuit closing position, the switch 132 associated with the breaker N has been closed, hereby closing the circuit of the solenoid so, Fig. 2, through a circuit extending from ronductor 103 through the switch 133, which is closed when the breaker D is open, through conductor 13th, switch 135, which is closed when breaker E is open, conductor 13(5, solenoid 85, conductor 13?, through the aforementioned switch 132 to conductor 101,

1. As a result of energization of solenoid 35, the switches 138 and 139 are closed and remain closed unless breaker i opens, or breaker D or breaker E close. To close 1 mechanism D D which has the breaker been assumed open, the operators switch Fig. 2, is actuated to bring its movable contact 1410, connected with conductor 103, into engagement with the stationary contact 1420, thereby permitting current to flow from conductor 103 through the operators switch to conductor 14-1, through the switch 139, conductor 14:2, to localizing switch 108" through conductor 1 1-3, the switch 1e 1, movable with the localizing switch 103, to conductor 145,thence through "the coil 1'39, the now closed motor switch 109 and the now closed switch 86 and series motor M comprising the field winding 110 and armature 111 to conductor 137 through the switch 132, Fig. 1, to the the push button switch' negative conductor 101 of the supply circuit. Qrccordingly the motor M starts and the worm (it; is shifted by coil 69 into mesh with gear segment (35, rotating the latter to pull downwardly upon the connecting rod 63 to close and latch the breakers D D the gear segment (35 and th? worm (56 having been freed. respective), from the hook 82 and locking shoulde 33 by energization of the solenoid 35, which has moved the hook levers 30 and 30 Fig. 12, upwardly.

The coil (39 actuatcs the worm (58 through the toggle 21, 25 which also actuates the localizing switch 103 and the switch 111, the latter opening to prevent closure of circuit of coil 69" and so prevent shitting worm 73 into mesh with gear 77, and preventing closure of the motor circuit controlled by contact 1 10 l pon closure of the breakers D D the switch 133 is opened, thereby dcenergizing the solenoid 85, with the result that switches 138 and 139 are opened and, Fig. 12, the hook levers 30 and again descend, the hook 32 again locking the gear segment 77 and the connecting rod 75 against actuation by the hand operating lever (32, and the hook shoulder 83 preventing actuation of. worm 78 into mesh with gear 77.

And the opening of switches 138 and 139 by the aforementioned deenergization oi? solenoid 85 prevents energization of the motor M to actuate either of the breaker mech anisms D D or E E With the breakers D D closed as described the armature A of the rotary converter B supplies current to the direct current system whose positive and negative conductors are, respectively, 6 and f.

If it is desired to connect the conductors 7 and 71 of the other direct current system to the armature A, the breakers D D must first be opened, and this is accomplished by energizing the trip coil 72, controlled by the push button switch 146, Fig. 2, which allows current to pass from conductor 103 through the solenoid 90, conductor 1&7 to trip coil 72, to conductor 10-1. As a result the solenoid is energized, reclosing the switch 86 which opened when the breakers D, 1) opened, due to the operation of the mechanism illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16; and the trip coil 72 is also energized to trip the breakers D D by actuating the bar 7 1-, through link 72, Fig. 10, which actuates the latch 61, Fig. 9.

Upon release of the push button switch 146, the solenoids 90 and 72 are deiinergizcd, but nevertheless the switch 86 remains closed, which is its position when both breaker mechanisms D D and E E are open.

Now breakers E E may be closed by shifting the operators switch 0 to the right to bring contact 140 into engagement with stationary contact 140", thereby allowingl current to flow from conductor 1 13 through the operators switch and the conductor 1 18 to the switch 139, switches 138 and 139 being now again closed because solenoid 85 is again energized because switches 133 and 135 are both closed, thence through conductor 1 12 through localizing switch 108 through conductor 1 13 through the switch 144, movable with switch 108, to conductor 145 to the solenoid 69 through the closed motor control switch 109, through the now closed switch 86, through the motor M conductor 137, switch 132, Fig. 1, to conductor 10 1. This as before starts the motor and energizes the coil 69, which shifts the worm 78, Fig. 12, into mesh with the gear 77, both the worm and gear being unlocked because of energization of solenoid 85, and the motor actuates the gear 77 to pull downwardly upon the connecting rod 75 to close the breakers E E hen these breakers E E reach circuit closing position the switch 135 is open, thereby deenergizing solenoid 85, thereby open ing switches 138 and 139, and allowing descent of hook levers 80 and 80 Fig. 12, to lock the gear segment and worm 66, the gear segment 65 having taken the open circuit position due. to tripping of breakers D D The breakers D D and E E are tripped either upon overload, by their respective overload coils 61 and 7 0, or upon r-verse current flow by the tripping coils 61 and 61, serving to trip both breaker mechanisms, or upon failure of voltage, that is, upon a no-voltage condition, by the no-voltage magnet 73, Figs. 2 and 10, which trips either of the mechanisms which may be in circuit closing position.

Should there be an overload or other abnormal condition upon either circuit 6, f or g, h, and it be attem oted to close either of them by the motor h 2 under control of op erators switch 0 that breaker mechanism which has been actuated by the motor M will immediately be tripped and move to open circuit position. Should the operator, however, hold his switch 0 in the position which last energized the motor M the motor would tend to again immediately close the circuit breaker mechanism, which would immediately be tripped again and so cause a periodic actuation which might be harmful to the mechanism, T o prevent any such condition the solenoid 90 and associated switch 86 are provided. The opening oi the breaker mechanism by the motor M causes the switch 86 in series with motor M to open mechanically by the means illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16. But this switch cannot again be closed, as is essential to the operation of the motor M until the operator presses the push button switch 129 to .energize solenoid 90 to again close the switch 86 whereupon the motor M can again be energized.

In case it should be desired to have the breaker mechanisms D D and E E simultaneously in circuit closing position, in which case the voltages of both direct current systems are substantially equal, the mechanism of Figs. 13 and 1 1, responsive to equal voltage upon the direct current systems, comes into play. As previously described, when the voltages on the direct current systems 6, f and g, h are equal or substantially equal, the armature 95 comes under the control of magnet windings 91 and 92 and closes the switch whose movable element is 96, thereby bridging the three contacts 96, 96 and 96, Fig. 2. This is in response to actuation of the operators switch 9 in bridging contacts 97 97 and 100 and 100. Simultaneously with the actuation of the operators switch 0 for the purpose last described, its movable contact 1%9 has been brought into engagement with stationary contact 150 connected to contact 96. This permits current to flow from the conductor 103 through the operators switch through contacts 96 and 96 to conductor 136 through the solenoid 85, conductor 137, switch 132, Fig. 1, to conductor 104, thereby again energizing solenoid 85 and closing switches 138 and 139. Assuming the breakers D D to have been previously closed by the motor M the energization of the solenoid 85 also unlocks the gear segment 77 and worm 78, Fig. 12, whereupon the operators switch 0 may be shifted to the right, Fig. 2, to bring contact 1 10 into engagement with contact 1 10 and cause the operation of the motor M as hereinbetore described to close the breaker mechanism 19 E the operators switch 0 being held in the circuit closing position during this method of control. Accordingly both breaker mechanisms D D and E E are simultaneously in circuit closing position. Solenoid 85 has again been de'e'nergized bv opening switch 135 and restoring the operators switch to normal position.

Simultaneously with the actuation of the iovable contact 96 as above stated, while the operators switch is in actuated position, current will flow also from conductor 103 through contacts 96 and 96 through the electric signal lamp 158 and its protecting resistance 159 to conductor 137, thence through switch 132, Fig. 1, conductor 10%, causing the light 158 to glow and thereby indicate to the operator who is holding the operators switch 0 in actuated position that the voltages on the direct current circuits are equal or substantially equal, as evidenced by the actuation of the armature 95 which 

